The two teams are coming off big wins last week against Blighty and Rennie respectively, but each will be expecting a tougher assignment in this week's encounter.
The Tigers, who are many pundits’ premiership favourites, went on a recruiting spree in the long off-season that followed 2019 and the three ex-AFL players they have at their disposal kicked 10 goals between them in last week's 118-48 victory.
Waaia's Sam Trower and Lachlan Karl kicked three each as the Bombers, who are also expected to be contending this season, kept Blighty to 1.2 (8), while scoring 12.13 (85).
Tigers coach Jedd Wright said he would be looking for a faster start from his team when it plays on Saturday.
“We are looking for a bit of consistency (this week),” Wright said.
“Against Rennie we were slow starters and it took us a while to get into the match as we are still gelling as a team.
“We will be looking for a faster start this week.”
While his ex-AFL players stood out, Wright was pleased with the growth of his younger players.
“We were really happy with all our recruits,” Wright said.
“The thing we were most pleased about is that the young players who are getting close to 100 games took the game on and were in our best players as well."
On the other side of the coin, Mathoura and Katunga will be looking to bounce back from close losses to start the season.
Mathoura's inaccuracy cost it as it went down by four points to Jerilderie and Katunga pushed the reigning premier Strathmerton, but fell by 24 points.
Katunga coach Damien Kennedy is expecting a tight tussle during Saturday's match.
“We're expecting a very tight game,” Kennedy said.
“They are going to be a very competitive side.
“We'll be looking to the turn tables from 2019 when they beat us twice.
“Both teams have improved, so that bodes well for a good game on Saturday.”
Despite the loss last week, Kennedy saw plenty of positives.
“I think we are going to be a lot more competitive this year and we showed we can give quite a bit more cheek at times,” he said.
“We have a bit more depth in the midfield.
“Our recruits out of the amateurs certainly gave us more depth and maturity to our side as did Brayden Kearns."
In the other matches, Katandra and Blighty, who are at the opposite ends of the ladder, face off at Katandra, Deniliquin Rovers and Yarroweyah will be looking to sing the song for the first time this season, Rennie will be trying to avoid a 0-2 start when it hosts Jerilderie, Picola United will travel to Strathmerton and Tungamah and Tocumwal, which returns to the field after last week's bye, will play at Yarrawonga while the Bears’ home turf gets an upgrade.
After a 2-0 start to the season, Berrigan has the bye.
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